Why use Grand National tips? Well, with a cool million quid in prize money and the glory of winning the world’s most famous horse race, this one’s going to be tighter than a photo finish. Even the most seasoned racing punters could use a helping hand. That’s why we’ve scoured the best odds, top promotions and expert horse racing betting tips to help your wagers bolt out the gates.
- 1 Grand National Ante-Post Betting Odds
- 2 Grand National Betting Tips Today
- 3 How We Select Our Grand National Betting Tips
- 4 Grand National Jockey & Trainer Stats
- 5 Aintree Racecourse Tips
- 6 Top Bookmakers for Betting on the Grand National
- 7 Grand National Key Stats & Facts
- 8 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 9 Grand National Betting FAQS
Grand National Ante-Post Betting Odds
There are initially 87 entries for the Grand National, but only the top 34 horses make it to race day. That’s why we reckon, unless you’ve got a real hunch on an outsider, it’s best to stick with those most likely to make it to the start line. With that in mind, here’s the top 20 bookies’ favourites to win it right now, along with the absolute best ante-post odds.
Horse | Ante-Post Odds | Bookmaker |
---|---|---|
Inothewayurthinkin | 8/1 | Ladbrokes |
I am Maximus | 12/1 | bet365 |
Iroko | 14/1 | bet365 |
Intense Raffles | 14/1 | Coral |
Minella Cocooner | 20/1 | bet365 |
Nick Rockett | 16/1 | BetVictor |
Stumptown | 20/1 | Betfred |
Meetingofthewaters | 25/1 | Coral |
Kandoo Kid | 25/1 | Ladbrokes |
Perceval Legallois | 25/1 | LiveScoreBet |
Vanillier | 33/1 | Betway |
Three Card Brag | 33/1 | Spreadex |
Monbeg Genius | 33/1 | Coral |
Montys Star | 33/1 | Unibet |
Grangeclare West | 33/1 | Unibet |
Beauport | 40/1 | Unibet |
Galvin | 33/1 | bet365 |
Broadway Boy | 40/1 | Betway |
Delta Work | 50/1 | Unibet |
Hyland | 50/1 | bet365 |
Look for NRNB Insurance
Non-Runner No Bet is a promotion that guarantees you’ll get your money back if the horse you’ve backed in the Ante-Post markets doesn’t run. With more than half of the initial 87 entries missing out, it’s one of the most important tips for Grand National betting. Plenty of top bookies like BetVictor, Parimatch and Betfred offer it, and it’s usually plastered all over the promo page. If you’re not sure, give customer service a bell to check if your Ante-Post bet is covered by NRNB insurance.
Grand National Betting Tips Today
Racing fans will know the Grand National is the crown jewel of three glorious days of world-class racing. Trouble is, the only Ante-Post odds and declarations currently available target that iconic 4+ mile headliner. So, for now, our Grand National tips will have to stick to the main event. But don’t you worry – the moment we get wind of the runners for the other races, we’ll be on it quicker than Red Rum scoffing a bag of Polo Mints.
Grand National Betting Tips Day 1 – Opening Day at Aintree (Thursday 3rd April. Gates Open – 11am)
We kick things off with seven thrilling races at Aintree, where the best and brightest in the sport of kings take centre stage. From the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase to the William Hill Aintree Hurdle, it’s a proper showcase of talent – from rising stars sharpening their skills on one of England’s most iconic tracks to seasoned pros gunning for glory in high-stakes showdowns.
The biggest race of the day will likely be The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase, which saw a whopping 22 runners’ line up last year. With its prestige and fierce competition, this race could serve up some of the tastiest Grand National betting odds for the entire festival.
Start Times | Race | Distance |
---|---|---|
1.45pm | The Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
2.20pm | The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m 1f |
2.55pm | The William Hill Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 | 3m 1f |
3.30pm | The William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
4.05pm | The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase | 2m 5f |
4.40pm | The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 | 2m |
5.15pm | The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) | 2m 1f |
Grand National Betting Tips Day 2 – Ladies Day at Aintree (Friday 3rd April. Gates Open – 10.30 am)
Ladies Day is, of course, iconic for its style, its elegance and for being an absolute blast. After all, who doesn’t love an excuse to dress to the nines? But beyond the glamour, it’s also a day packed with top-tier racing action. How couldn’t it be, when it kicks off with the epic Mildmay Novices’ Chase – where Inothewayurthinkin left the competition in the dust over 3 miles and 1 furlong last year – and wraps up with a cracking battle between amateur jockeys in The Handicap Hurdle.
We might not have Grand National tips for Ladies Day just yet, but this is a true celebration of every level of the sport. And much like the dazzling hats that have become a trademark of the day, it’s absolutely blooming with opportunity.
Start Times | Race | Distance |
---|---|---|
1.45pm | The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 | 3m 1f |
2.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 | 2m 4f |
2.55pm | The TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m ½f |
3.30pm | The My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) | 2m 4f |
4.05pm | The Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Chase (Grade 3) | 2m 5f |
4.40pm | The Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 3m ½ f |
5.15pm | The Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys) | 2m ½ f |
Grand National Tips Day 3 – Grand National Day at Aintree (Saturday 4th April. Gates Open – 10am)
Here it is. The main event. The big one. The most iconic, prestigious, and downright thrilling day in British racing. At the heart of it all, is the legendary Randox Grand National Steeple Chase – a four-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong beast of a race with 30 fences standing between the runners and immortality.
But that’s just the tip of the riding crop. The day also boasts six other cracking contests, each bringing its own unique challenge. The William Hill Handicap Hurdle, the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle and the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race are just a few of the showdowns set to deliver world-class competition.
Rest assured, we’ll have Grand National tips and predictions for the entire day’s action the moment the race cards are set. But for now, you’ll just have to settle for our expert take on the biggest race of them all.
Inothewayurthinkin to Win the Grand National (8/1 odds to win from Ladbrokes)
We’ve got to side with the bookies on this one. Inothewayurthinkin has the best kind of prep for winning the Grand National – winning the Milkmay Novices Chase last year. The ground was soft, so we know he can handle a proper slog, and at 3 miles 1 furlong with 19 fences, it’s about as good of a dress rehearsal as you’ll get for the behemoth that is the Grand National Steeple Chase. The best part? He didn’t even run a perfect race – fluffed a few jumps and still wiped the floor with the competition. Now, with another year of National Hunt steeplechases under his belt, including another win at Aintree back in April, we reckon the Grand National best odds on the favourite are fully justified.
Nick Rockett to Place in the Grand National (16/1 odds to win from BetVictor)
If you’d backed Nick Rockett to win or place in every chase he’s run, you’d have been in the money four times out of seven. Even more impressive is his form since returning from a 244-day break in December. He came fourth in a gruelling 27-runner field at Leopardstown and followed that up with a gutsy win at Gowran Park, a course that throws 17 tricky fences at the competition. All the signs point to a strong showing, and with bookies offering place terms up to four spots, Grand National tips don’t get much more convincing than this. At 16/1, an each-way bet is a cracking shout – £10 could net you between £30 and £200 in profit!
Three Card Brag to Place in the Grand National (33/1 odds to win from Spreadex)
We reckon the bookies have got this one wrong. Yes, Three Card Brag has had a merry-go-round of jockeys and finished seventh at Leopardstown in December, but he’s also placed five times in seven races, including a win at Navan on soft ground with 17 fences. Even with a new jockey likely to take over after Jordan Gainford’s injury, we believe Gordon Elliott’s training and the horse's talent will be enough to secure a top-four finish. At 33/1, an each-way bet could see you pocket between £72.50 and £412.50 in profit, making this one of our most profitable Grand National betting tips today.
Effortlessly calculate each-way winnings with our bet calculator
It can be a right faff trying to figure out whether a place position will be profitable with an each-way bet. That’s why we’ve created this super handy each-way betting calculator that does all the hard work for you. Simply enter the key details, and you’ll be able to easily wrap your head around any each-way Grand National Betting Tips for 2025.
Start Times | Race | Distance |
---|---|---|
1.20pm | The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 | 3m ½f |
1.55pm | The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m 4f |
2.30pm | The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 | 3m 1f |
3.05pm | The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 | 3m ½f |
4.00pm | The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) | 4m 2½f |
5.00pm | The My Pension Expert Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 | 2m |
5.35pm | The Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) | 2m 1f |
How We Select Our Grand National Betting Tips
We’d love to tell you that our Grand National tips just come to us, that we’re all horse whisperers, getting the latest scoop straight from the steeds themselves, or that we’re seeing winners cross the finish line in a wonderful dream.
But the truth is, it’s all about solid research. We dive deep into the crucial details, just as we do for Cheltenham predictions or any other event. Do the same, and you’ll find it easier to pick winners and assess the value of the odds, helping you track down the best Grand National betting deals.
The minimum age for Grand National runners is seven, though some races at the Randox Grand National Festival allow six-year-olds. Most horses peak between seven and ten, making that the ideal age range. But older horses can still compete – two have won the big race above the age of eleven in modern times: Amberleigh House (2004) and Royal Athlete (1995).
We recommend backing horses with proven form in Grade 1 races – newcomers often struggle with the step up in class. In non-Grade 1 races, a horse dropping down a level may have the edge, having already faced tougher competition.
What matters the most is a horse proving itself over similar distances. For the Grand National, that means races of 3 miles or more. Meanwhile, events like The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) calls for experience in shorter contests.
Simply put, a horse’s recent performance matters – strong results, especially on similar tracks against tough competition, are a solid indicator of success.
The Grand National is a handicap race, so each horse gets a weight added based on its ability to help even things out. That’s partly why we’ve seen both lighter and heavier horses win the race over the years. What really matters is how well they’ve handled similar handicap steeplechases. For other races, like The JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1, lighter horses tend to have the upper hand because of the soft going.
No other races pose the challenge of the Grand National, so it’s best to have a horse that has performed well in conditions as close to this as possible. If they’ve also managed to thrive in different circumstances and still come out on top, that’s a bonus.
Aintree Racecourse is famous for its soft going, and when the rain hits, it can turn an already gruelling race into a real slog. That’s why it’s crucial to check how a horse has performed on soft, soggy ground before you place your bets.
With soft going, a gruelling distance, a massive field of contenders, and 30 fences, the Grand National presents one of the toughest challenges in the sport. Simply put, you’ll want a horse that’s tackled the hardest steeplechases in the country – think the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Scottish Grand National, for instance. Other races might not require quite as much grit, but success on similar ground is still crucial.
Grand National Jockey & Trainer Stats
When we’re putting together our Grand National top tips, we make sure to look at the full picture – it’s not just about the horse, but the jockey and trainer too. A lot of casual punters miss this bit, but the trainer’s role is massive. Take Aidan O’Brien, for instance – he’s bagged just about every flat race in England. If his name pops up on the form for a similar course, you’ll want to sit up and take notice. Trainers are the ones who handle everything from diet and training to studying past races, making sure the horse is in tip-top shape.
And let’s not forget the jockey – they’re the one in the saddle, steering the horse, setting the pace, and executing the strategy. Every plane needs its pilot, and picking the right jockey can really set you flying towards the best odds for Grand National success. Look out for two things: the jockey’s overall success in similar conditions and their experience with that horse. The more they’ve worked together successfully, the better.
Top 10 Jump Jockeys and Trainers
Let’s get down to brass tacks. We’ve rounded up the top 10 jump jockeys and trainers based on their wins since the 4th May 2024. Having any of these experts on your team is a big advantage. If they’re not on this list, no worries – you can easily check out the trainer and jockey behind your pick, as they’ll either be listed on your bookmaker or can be found with the other general race information.
Ranking | Jockey | Wins | Rides | Winning Percentage |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sean Bowen | 139 | 729 | 19% |
2 | Harry Skelton | 123 | 532 | 23.1% |
3 | Sam Twiston-Davies | 90 | 520 | 17.3% |
4 | Harry Cobden | 79 | 359 | 22% |
5 | Gavin Sheehan | 77 | 435 | 17.7% |
6 | James Bowen | 67 | 364 | 18.4% |
7 | Brian Hughes | 61 | 565 | 10.7% |
8 | Jonathan Burke | 58 | 387 | 14.9% |
9 | Ben Jones | 56 | 347 | 16.1% |
10 | Jack Tudor | 52 | 349 | 14.8% |
Ranking | Trainer | Wins | Runs | Winning Percentage |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dan Skelton | 145 | 754 | 19.2% |
2 | Olly Murphy | 101 | 448 | 22.5% |
3 | Paul Nichols | 71 | 382 | 18.5% |
4 | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 61 | 351 | 17.3% |
5 | Jonjo & AJ O’ Neil | 61 | 433 | 14% |
6 | Fergel O’Brien | 57 | 461 | 12.3% |
7 | Nicky Henderson | 55 | 273 | 20.1% |
8 | Joe Tizzard | 54 | 286 | 18.8% |
9 | Ben Pauling | 47 | 293 | 16% |
10 | Venetia Williams | 37 | 194 | 19% |
Grand National Latest Trends
8 of the last 30 Grand National winners (26.6%) were over the age of 10
Only one horse has won more than once in the last 30 years (3.3%) – Tiger Roll, with incredible back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019.
Just 5 of the 25 winning jockeys (20%) since 1995 have managed to win the race twice.
Only 2 jockeys (8%) have won back-to-back – Davy Russell (2018, 2019) and Leighton Aspell (2014, 2015).
16 of the last 30 winners (53.3%) crossed the line in under 9 minutes and 15 seconds.
24 of the last 30 winners (80%) spectacularly defied the odds, winning with an implied probability of under 10%.
The favourite has only won twice in the last 50 years (4%), that’s just how unpredictable the Grand National can be.
Aintree Racecourse Tips
When betting on the Grand National, it’s crucial to keep the course itself front and centre of your predictions. Now, Aintree’s National Course may seem straightforward at first glance, but it’s a whole different beast when you factor in its challenging obstacles and conditions. The track has four main turns, with the 90-degree left “Canal Turn” being the trickiest. But it’s the long stretches that really test stamina, particularly when the soft ground has turned heavy with damp weather.
And, of course, there are the fences. Sixteen of them in total, each one imposing. For example, fence 3 is infamous for the open ditch drop that caused a fatality in 2019 – not a jump for the faint of heart. Fence 6, the Becher’s Brook drop, and fence 8, just before the Canal Turn, present a brutal test for jumping and turning.
Finally, there’s the Chair – standing 5 feet 2 inches tall with a wide 6-foot ditch below, it’s one of the most fearsome obstacles in horse racing. And if that’s not enough, the finale ends with a splash at The Water Jump. Oh, and did we mention? For the The Randox Grand National Steeple Chase, they’ve got to do it twice. Make no mistake, with its unique challenges, massive scale and testing ground conditions, this is one of the toughest tracks in the world.
Top Bookmakers for Betting on the Grand National
Payment methods (11):
18+. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (5):
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 or more on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £30 in Free Football Bets, selected markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (7):
18+ Selection must finish 2nd in the selected race(s). Win singles & win part of e/w bets only. Free bets paid within 24 hours, max £10, removed after 7 days. 5+ runners must start the race. Free Bets available on Horse Racing only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (7):
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets + Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP FAV
Payment methods (7):
18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (9):
18+ New UK customers only. Min £10 first deposit using Debit Card or Bank Transfer. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 2.0 and get a £5 Football Bet Builder and £5 Golf token upon settlement. A £10 Multiple, £5 Horse Racing Multiple, and £5 Football Bet Builder token after 24 hours. A further £10 Multiple token after 48 hours. Minimum 3 legs. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (6):
18+ Double Odds for 1 winner only on L15, L31 or L63. No bonus applies for 2 or more winners. All selections must run for double winner bonus to apply. Any NR will mean the bonus will not apply. No max price or max bonus to apply. Available on Horse Racing and Greyhounds only. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (8):
18+ New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days. Opt in for £20 in free bets and £20 Casino Bonus. Valid for 7 days. Geographical restrictions. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (9):
18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (6):
Up to £50 in Free Bets, Odds Boost Token, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus
Payment methods (6):
18+ New players only | Available until 23:59 GMT 31.12.2025 Each challenge has its own TCs. Eligible Bets must be placed for each respective Challenge during the Promotional Period including the following: ACCA, Football, In-Play, and Casino. Each challenge has its own set of TCs and can only be completed 1x. Available to claim: 20 Free Spins, Odds Boost Token, £10 Free Bet, 50% Back up Free Bet up to £20, £10 Casino Bonus when you wager £50+. If all are completed you will receive Max £20 Free Bet to be used on any sport. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Payment methods (8):
18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. GambleAware.org #ad |
Best Grand National Betting Offers

It’s a highlight of the sporting calendar and one of the biggest betting events in the UK. You can bet your bottom dollar that bookmakers will be pulling out all the stops to get you to pick their odds for Grand National outrights. That means the crème de la crème of betting promos – from Non-Runner No Bet offers and extra each-way places to massive welcome bonuses, free bets or bet boosts.
Grand National Betting Sites with Livestreaming
The best live streaming betting sites will offer buttery smooth video coverage throughout the entire Randox Grand National Festival, completed with top-notch graphical and statistical updates. This lets you track your Grand National tips and predictions in real-time, with all the details you could possibly need. Can't say fairer than that!
Grand National Key Stats & Facts
ThePuntersPage Final Say
As a punter eyeing up the Grand National, you're a bit like the jockeys themselves – you’ve got the chance to land massive rewards, but the challenge is as tough as it gets. The field is big, the course is unforgiving, and the competition is razor-sharp. That’s why it’s crucial to stick with the best betting sites, take advantage of top promotions, and lean on our Grand National tips. It’s your best shot at claiming your own slice of UK horse racing glory.
Grand National Betting FAQS
Start by checking out the expert horse racing tips right here on this page – they should give you plenty of food for thought. Once you’ve had a look, consider whether they align with your own research and strategy. If they don’t, no worries! Do a bit more digging into the odds to find the ones likely to give you the best value based on your own predictions.
Yes, there are loads of free bet offers available for Grand National betting markets. Have a look at the promos on this page to get started. If you're unsure about any offer, simply double-check the terms and conditions to make sure they don't exclude Grand National or Ante-Post markets, and that you're not falling foul of any minimum odds restrictions.
Yes, most bookmakers that offer livestreaming for horse racing will provide live coverage of the Grand National. In fact, we expect all the top bookmakers listed on this page to offer livestreaming throughout the festival. So, you’ll be able to follow all the action in real-time, no problem!
You’ve already found them! On this very page, you’ll discover what we consider to be the absolute best betting offers available for the Grand National right now.
An Ante-Post bet is placed on the Grand National winner (each-way odds are also available) well before the race. It usually comes with higher odds than waiting until race day but carries the risk of losing your stake if your horse doesn’t run – unless you’re covered by Non-Runner No Bet insurance.
We think so! We’ve backed the favourite, Inothewayurthinkin, to win the Grand National, and you can find out why, along with several other betting tips for the big race, on this very page.